Rising crime overstretches Gardai.

22 Mar, 2006

Increasing levels of social disorder and violent crime in Dublin have not been matched by a rise in Garda numbers, according to figures obtained by the Fine Gael representatives in response to written questions in the Dail. Between 2000 and 2005 total crime increased by over 18 per cent while Garda numbers rose by only 1 per cent. Since 2004 only two extra Gardai have been appointed in Dublin, bringing the total to 3,742. Homicides in the capital rose from 18 in 2000 to 72 in 2005, a 300 per cent increase, while crime detection rates are down from 39 per cent to just 32 per cent over the same period. Fine Gael are calling for an increased presence of Gardai on the streets to prevent and deter crime.